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Youcie Program


Public Space Maintenance

The 27 men and women of the Public Space Maintenance team work seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. sweeping sidewalks and removing graffiti. Heavily-trafficked commercial streets and areas adjacent to university campuses receive daily sweeping with pans and brooms and mechanical cleaning. Other areas with a high density of rental properties are cleaned at least twice weekly with machines (some areas are cleaned daily). In total, approximately 160 square blocks are maintained.

In the spring, PSM staff conduct a war against weeds, clearing excessive weeds from sidewalks and tree wells. In the fall, Student Move-In and leaf collection create especially intense work periods. PSM workers also assist with special events such as providing power, water, and cleaning for the Clark Park Farmers' Market. The UCD maintenance shop is located at 4056 Powelton Avenue.

To report trash or abandoned autos in University City, click here. For bulk pick-up items such as stoves, refrigerators, and sofas, please call the Philadelphia Streets Department at 215 685 2600.

Community Partnership for Employment
The majority of public space maintenance workers are West or Southwest Philadelphia residents who have successfully transitioned from public assistance to full-time employment. These referrals are obtained through partnerships with three neighborhood social service agencies: People's Emergency Center (PEC), Horizon House, and Philadelphia Elwyn.

Fee-for-Service Activities
Cleaning services for area businesses are managed under separate contracts on a fee-for-service basis. Currently, UCD crews clean the parking areas of the Aldi Market at 46th and Market, the 200 block of S. 46th Street, Chestnut Street Plaza at 43rd and Chestnut Streets, 38th and Chestnut lot behind Chilis, and Blockbuster Video at 48th and Pine. UCD provides cleaning services also to Barkan Park at 49th and Spruce, Cedar Park at 50th and Baltimore and Clark Park at 43rd and Baltimore Avenue.

Summer Jobs Program
In response to an increase in crime committed by juvenile offenders, UCD decided to become part of the solution and created its first Summer Jobs Program in 2006. 11 Positions were created to employ local high school juniors and seniors, who helped to maintain the public spaces in University City. For many, this was their first job.  UCD intends to continue the program and expand th number of summer jobs depending upon the availability of funding.